PETA Targets Mario Kart World’s Cow Design

The Mario Kart franchise has introduced countless quirky characters and environmental details over the years. In Mario Kart World, one of the more charming additions has been a cheerful cow character that quickly won fans over with its playful appearance. Yet this seemingly harmless design has now drawn sharp criticism from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

In an open letter to Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, the organisation has called for the removal of the cow’s nose ring, arguing that the detail reflects a real-world practice associated with animal suffering. According to the group, nose rings are often used in the meat and dairy industries as pain-based control tools for livestock.

Why the Nose Ring Matters, According to PETA

While acknowledging that it is a family-friendly racing game designed purely for entertainment, the argument is that such design choices still carry influence.

“We know Mario Kart World is just a game—and that’s exactly why Cow’s nose ring needs to go. Mario Kart is supposed to be a fun escape, not a reminder of the painful tools used on cows in the meat and dairy industries,” the organization wrote.

From their point of view, the inclusion of the ring risks normalising or trivialising a practice linked to real-world animal cruelty, a message they say is at odds with Nintendo’s family-friendly brand.

Nintendo’s Silence and Wider Context

As of now, Nintendo has not responded to the criticism. It is unclear whether the company will alter the character’s design in future patches or updates.

This is far from the organisation’s first foray into video game controversies. The group has previously targeted franchises like Pokémon, accusing it of glorifying animal captivity, and Animal Crossing, where fishing and bug-catching mechanics were called out as harmful representations. Each instance sparked lively debate over the balance between creative expression and ethical responsibility in game design.

The Bigger Debate

The situation highlights a recurring question: should developers be mindful of subtle real-world associations in their games, even in lighthearted, cartoonish settings? For Nintendo, the decision could set a precedent for how they handle cultural and ethical critiques moving forward.